Thank you

My first race in 2008.. looking more like a bodybuilder than a triathlete

There was a moment before Monday's ITU World Championships Standard Distance race when I escaped from the chaos to a quiet hallway, closed my eyes, and thought about all the days it took to get there.  It was dark, it was early and it was cold.  But I'd been here before.  Many times in fact.  I thought about all those mornings the alarm went off before 5am.  I thought about all those days swimming outside in the cold, the dark (I've never missed one.. not one morning did that alarm go off and I shut it off).  The morning I swam alone at the UBC Outdoor pool because the heater was broken and I was the only one who would get in.  The days I pushed myself through one more interval to try to match Ryan or Steph or Martina.  I thought about all those days riding my bike in the rain, the wind.  Pushing myself harder to stay with Jeff or Clarke or Rob or Dylan.  I thought about those training camps in Whistler.  The year I was in so much pain due to yet another stress fracture that I couldn't so much as walk. But I kept pushing.  I thought about waking in the middle of the night in pain and taking tylenol-3's to fall back asleep and the endless rehab it took to get stronger.  I thought about all of that and I knew.. that no matter what, I'd done everything I could to get to this point and I was ready.  I didn't feel even a twinge of nervousness because in my mind, I had trained for years with the best and there was nothing that anyone could throw at me that I couldn't handle.



On the surface triathlon is an individual sport. But to me, it really isn't.  I couldn't have become a World Champion without the help of so many people.  I want to take the time to thank those without whom this accomplishment wouldn't be possible.  I'm sorry if I miss anyone.. this list is long :)

First almost victory in 2010

Alan Carlsson - my first coach.  You taught me so much about training, about preparation, about everything really.  You gave me a chance to compete and train like an elite athlete even though I wasn't one.
Noa Deutsch - my current coach.  You pushed me incredibly hard.  I'll admit I've cursed you on more than one occasion over the last year.  But I trusted you and I know you trusted me. You surrounded me with the best training environment any age group athlete could possibly ask for. I absolutely couldn't have done this without you.  I'm feel incredibly lucky to have had such knowledgeable and passionate coaches in my short time doing this.  Thank you


Jeff, Clarke, Rob,Ryan, Facundo, Martina, Steph, Amy - the original crew.  We suffered together so many times.  You pushed me to get better because you guys were better than me but more importantly you made this fun.  I'm so lucky to have such great training partners, teammates and friends.

Starting to look like a triathlete now in a tri suit! 2011

Dylan - you pushed me to become a better cyclist and you inspired me at Ironman and let me know the I could this.  When I was down and doubting myself you sent me an email just when I needed it.

Carsten, Michael, Rowan - you guys keep getting better and in turn you push me to keep up!  I'm enjoying watching you guys succeed and can't wait to see what you do in the future.

Disappointment in Auckland 2012

The rest of the pacific tri works gang - we truly have the best training group going.  We support each other and have fun and we kick some serious ass (seriously.. If you're looking for a group in Vancouver to train with and you have some big goals.  Look us up!)

The Leading Edge gang (Andrew, Stan, Paul K and everyone else back home cheering) - for treating me like a member of your family.  Stan for selflessly driving my bike to Edmonton and driving me around while there.. took a lot of the stress off of me.

Pointstreak + Dominik - for putting up with me coming into work at odd hours.  For giving me the ability to do this. For letting me ride my trainer at the office. For getting me into this crazy thing in the first place (I'm not sure I should be thanking you for that).

Jeremy and the Speed Theory Gang - for putting up with my complete lack of bicycle maintenance knowledge and incompetence and for supporting me throughout this.  You guys are passionate about this sport and are there for so many when they need it.

Where did my biceps go?

The Pierse family - for providing Victoria and I with an amazing homestay in Edmonton.  I felt like I was racing at home because you made your home our home for the week.  Can't thank you enough.

The Byrnes family - there are way too many of you to mention!  But I know you are all following me and cheering me on and I really appreciate it.

Everyone else in the tri community - you keep this fun!

Mom, dad, Teresa, Derek, Ryder, Reid, Marlene + Alec, Grandpa J - you guys are my biggest fans.  This is a selfish sport and you have worked around all my crazy requests.  You've come to my races, you've followed my races and you've supported me when I was tired and frustrated and needed someone to vent to.

Victoria - I absolutely could not have done this without you.  If someone were to ask what had changed this year over the other years that allowed me to take the steps I have this year, I would say without question it has been you.  You've kept me smiling when I was tired and frustrated and didn't want to do this anymore.  Watching you train in the early hours, the rain, the snow, the cold.  Watching you come back from your injuries.. has inspired me to keep going.  You've learned to give me cookies when I'm hangry.  You stood in the cold and did everything possible to make sure I only had one thing to think about on race day.  I share this with you.